LINCOLN HEIGHTS — The large red shipping container that allegedly attracted crime and vandalism to Flat Top hill has been removed, and the person who put it there — the founder and CEO of Soylent, Robert Rhinehart — has issued an apology to the neighbors.

“I have since removed the container, and brought the land into compliance with city building and safety codes. I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to my neighbors who I upset,” Rhinehart wrote in his blog.

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety cited Rhinehart last June for leaving an abandoned or vacant building open to the public. Then, after Rhinehart failed to comply with an order for removal, the City Attorney filed criminal charges for construction and grading without permits; zoning code violations and failure to comply with orders from the Department of Building and Safety.

“As a first time property owner, the container was meant to be an experiment in sustainable housing,” Rhinehart said in his apology. “In the future, I will ensure that I do my due diligence with regard to all city and neighborhood regulations. Flat Top Hill is a gem of Los Angeles, and I intend to make only positive contributions to the neighborhood and community going forward.”

If convicted, Rhinehart could face up to two years in jail and $4,000 in fines.

2 comments

you left trash, a whole roasted pig and loads of plastic ware out in the open and overnight.
it seems you had a 4th of July blast and left your neighbors to deal with the stench as you nursed your hangover.
you don’t care about your neighbors…too busy being cool.
I will never try your pancake mix drink cuz everyone has a box of Biscuit in their cupboards.
good luck with your business dum dum.

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